National Space Centre History

The National Space Centre will capture and inspire the public imagination in all aspects of space and demonstrate its relevance to life on Earth in the 21st Century.

The National Space Centre is the UK’s largest visitor attraction dedicated to space and space exploration, welcoming around a quarter of a million visitors each year since its opening in June 2001.

The National Space Centre is the idea of the University of Leicester, with support from Leicester City Council. It was the subject of joint bid to the Millennium Commission as a Landmark Millennium Project for the East Midlands.

Since then the centre has hosted an amazing variety of events ranging from visits from legendary astronauts such as Buzz Aldrin, Helen Sharman, Michael Foale, and Piers Sellars to various events such as Star Wars and Doctor Who.

The National Space Centre continues to evolve through the development of new galleries, Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium shows and experiences created for a diverse audience.

The National Space Centre is a registered charity (charity no: 1078832) and not- for-profit organisation in receipt of no government funding.

As a visitor you can help support our charitable objectives by donating to Gift Aid when you purchase your ticket.

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Special Events

On the ready line Marines. This is an evening of frights, fights and Alien sights! The Centre opens it's doors for a squad of Colonial Marines to take charge, in a mission that will change your world forever.